Sacramento, Ca- CMS has released the 2025 Medicare premium and deductible adjustments, along with significant changes resulting from the Inflation Reduction Act.  These changes include an increase in premiums, caps on out-of-pocket drug expenses, and expanded eligibility for financial assistance. CAHIP-NorCal is sharing this information to help brokers and their clients stay updated on the ever-changing Medicare landscape and better understand how these updates may impact Medicare coverage in the coming year.

With the premium increases and plan terminations happening frequently, CAHIP-Norcal encourages all Medicare beneficiaries to work with a broker who specializes in senior health benefits so that you can feel confident in your health coverage and avoid coverage gaps, or unexpected cost increases.

At a Glance: 2025 Costs:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance):
  • Inpatient hospital deductible: $1,632 (+$32 from 2024)
  • Daily coinsurance (61st–90th day): $408 (+$8)
  • Daily coinsurance (lifetime reserve days): $816 (+$16)
• Part B (Medical Insurance):
  • Monthly premium: $174.70 (+$9.80)
  • Annual deductible: $266 (+$14)
• IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts):
  • Premiums range from $243.10 to $594.00, based on income levels.

New for 2025

• Under the Inflation Reduction Act, beneficiaries will see capped out-of-pocket costs for Part D prescription drugs, with a maximum annual limit of $2,000 starting in 2025.
• Expanded Low-Income Subsidy: The Extra Help program is broadened to offer full benefits to individuals with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty level.
• Price Negotiations: Medicare will implement negotiated prices for certain high-cost prescription drugs.

For full details, visit the CMS announcement here.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com. 

Sacramento, California – November 15^th, 2024—

Sacramento, CA – With just 10 days left, CAHIP-Norcal is calling on the Sacramento community to help in the final stretch of the 2024 Turkey Drive to support River Oak Center for Children.

CAHIP-Norcal has set a goal again this year to provide Thanksgiving meals for 25 River Oak families in need, ensuring they have a joyful holiday meal.

“We’ve seen firsthand how much of an impact this drive has on local families, and with just 10 days left, we are confident that the generosity of our CAHIP members and the Sacramento community will help us reach our goal,”said David Brabender, President of CAHIP-Norcal.

CAHIP-Norcal invites the community to donate to the Turkey Drive, with all proceeds going directly to River Oak Center for Children. The donations will directly support the purchase of Thanksgiving meals for local families in need.

How to Contribute:
Donate to the 2024 River Oak Center for Children Turkey Drive through the GoFundMe campaign:
Donate Here

Deadline: Donations are being accepted until November 25, 2024. Your contribution will help ensure 25 families receive the items they need for a delightful Thanksgiving meal.

About River Oak Center for Children:
The River Oak Center for Children provides vital services to children and families in the Sacramento area, focusing on behavioral health support, family services, and resources to improve the well-being of at-risk children and families.

To learn more about this event and other upcoming events, visit our website at

cahip-norcal.org/event/.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com. 

Sacramento, California – October 30, 2024 —

Covered California launched its 2025 open enrollment period yesterday with a press conference at the California State Library in Sacramento. Secretary Xavier Becerra of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services joined state leaders and key representatives from the health insurance industry to emphasize the importance of accessible health coverage and health literacy for Californians.

Rosamaria Marrujo, CEO of Trusted American Insurance Agency and President of the California Association of Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP), attended the event representing the agent and broker community. Highlighting the vital role brokers play in expanding healthcare access, Marrujo stated, “It was wonderful to meet Secretary Becerra and showcase the importance of agents and brokers in the community.”

During the event, Covered California’s Executive Director Jessica Altman acknowledged and thanked the contributions of brokers, expressing appreciation for their continued service.

Highlights of Covered California’s Open Enrollment for 2025:

• New Financial Assistance for Californians: Beginning Nov. 1, increased state funding through Covered California’s cost-sharing reduction program will provide enhanced support, especially for those above 200% of the federal poverty level. The program offers no-deductible plans and reduced out-of-pocket costs for over 800,000 enrollees.
• Expanding Eligibility for DACA Recipients: For the first time, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients can enroll in Covered California plans, providing an additional estimated 40,000 Californians access to affordable health coverage.
• “Let’s Talk Health” Literacy Campaign: Covered California launched this statewide initiative to improve health literacy, partnering with local libraries to offer in-language resources and educational events to help consumers understand their health insurance options.
• Record-Low Uninsured Rates in California: California’s uninsured rate has fallen from 17.2% in 2013 to a historic low of 6.4% in 2023, illustrating the success of outreach and financial support programs in expanding access to health coverage.

With open enrollment running through Jan. 31, 2025, uninsured Californians are encouraged to explore their coverage options. 

Trusted American Insurance Agency’s CEO, Rosamaria Marrujo, is a dedicated advocate for advancing access to affordable healthcare for all Californians. As she continues her work at the state level, she is committed to representing brokers statewide and highlighting the essential support they provide to their communities. 

Visit CAHIP’s Newsroom to learn more about on-going healthcare and legislative updates. If you are interested to learn more about how to get involved and directly support state and national Political Action Committees program visit our Legislative Programs page.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com. 

Sacramento, California May 30, 2024— The SAHU Golf Tournament, held on May 16th at The Ridge Golf Club in Auburn, was an outstanding event filled with sunshine, friendly competition, and memorable moments. With a total of 102 golfers and 20 vendors attending, the day was buzzing with activity. From manning the holes to driving drink carts, everyone played a part in making this tournament a tremendous success. A special shout-out to this year’s golf tournament sponsor, Word & Brown, for their generous support!

Tournament Highlights and Winner Celebrations:

1st Place Winner: Aetna Foursome

• Noah Woehler (hit a Hole-in-One at hole #12!)
• Daniel Hawkins
• Tyrone Sales
• Jacob Woehler

2nd Place Winner: Cypress Dental Foursome

• Andrew Garnett
• Chuck Richesin
• Ryan Andrew
• Mike Updegraff

1st Place Mixed Team: Capitol Insurance Solutions Foursome

• Maia Francis
• Jackie Fitzhenry
• Tim Murphrey
• Josh Hedger

Closest to the Pin Winners:

• Men: Dylan Asherman
• Women: Carmen Perea

Longest Drive Winners:

• Men: Daniel Hawkins
• Women: Marissa Herndon

Danny Langarica from Cal Choice remarked, “Yesterday was one of the best SAHU Golf Tournaments I’ve ever been to. So much fun!” This sentiment was echoed by many attendees, highlighting the success and enjoyment of the day. 

A huge thank you to all our sponsors! Your support was essential in making this event a success, and we truly appreciate it.  We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

• Event Sponsor: Word & Brown
• Social Media Sponsor: Berkley Accident and Health
• Party Tee Sponsor: Mutual of Omaha
• Margarita Sponsor: Western Health Advantage
• Tee Sponsor: Dickerson Insurance Services
• Drink Cart Sponsor: Colonial Life
• Cannon Hole Sponsor: Anthem
• Longest Drive Sponsor: Q Benefits
• Tee #10 Lunch Platinum Sponsor: Amwins
• Hole-in-One Sponsor: Paycor

To learn more about SAHU’s events, becoming a member or sponsor, please visit our website, sahu-ca.com.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com. 

Sacramento, CA May 7, 2024 – The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) recently hosted its annual Vanguard Cornhole event, bringing together 31 teams and 70 attendees for a day of camaraderie and spirited competition.

Held last Thursday, the event highlighted the growing popularity of cornhole as a recreational activity among SAHU members.

The top three teams emerged victorious after a day of intense competition:

• 1st Place: Danny Langarica (Cal Choice) & Andy Fullerton (Wraith Scarlett Randolph) – Prizes included 2 Giants tickets and a $50 Firehouse gift card.
• 2nd Place: Brian Coppin (Cal Choice) & David Parker (Cigna + Oscar) – Prizes included a $50 Top Golf gift card and a $25 movie theater gift card.
• 3rd Place: Enoch Barrios (Covered CA) & Guest – Prizes included a $25 movie theater gift card.

Special recognition goes to Cerrina Jensen, who narrowly missed being the first woman to make it into the top 3. Her performance was commendable and showcased the inclusive nature of SAHU events.

The event also provided a platform for valuable networking opportunities, allowing brokers and general agents to connect in a relaxed setting. Participants enjoyed the friendly yet competitive atmosphere, fostering a sense of community among attendees.

“We’re thrilled with the success of this year’s Vanguard Cornhole event,” said Helen Ornellas, SAHU President. “It was great to see everyone come together for a day of fun and networking.”

SAHU would like to thank all the participants, sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible.

2024 Vanguard Cornhole Sponsors:

• Aetna
• Aflac
• Amwins
• Anthem
• Beam
• Bruins Legal Documentation
• Cal Choice
• Covered California
• Kaiser Permanente
• Marshall
• People Rock
• Sun Life
• Sutter Health
• VSP
• Western Health Advantage
• Word & Brown

For more information about SAHU and future events, visit sahu-ca.com.

To view more details about the event, visit our Cornhole Event page.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com. 

Sacramento, CA – SAHU members and supporters gathered last Thursday for an evening of education, advocacy, and networking at the SAHU PAC event. The event, which sold out quickly, featured intimate discussions with leading lobbyists and advocates shaping California healthcare.

Helen Ornellas, SAHU President, remarked, “The room was filled with like-minded Brokers and Agents who wanted to know what’s going on firsthand and were not let down, amazing evening.”

Guest speakers Faith Borges, Legislative Advocate, and Rob Stutzman, political commentator, provided updates on California health insurance and the current political landscape. The focus was on the Single Payor system and its status across political lines, highlighting the importance of being involved in shaping healthcare policy.

Faith Borges also spotlighted the pending initiative to implement a mandatory statewide insurance program for long-term care services and supports. Visit Long Term Care Insurance Task Force to learn more. Attendees engaged in discussions with special guests, including CAHIP President Tim Kanter and CAHIP VP of PAC Jack Holder, enriching the evening with valuable insights and expertise.

For those who missed the event, there’s an opportunity to stay involved by attending the upcoming CAHIP Capitol Summit in May. This event offers a chance to connect with industry experts, engage in discussions with legislative speakers and guests as they address the most recent healthcare concerns.

“We invite all members and those in the community to attend the upcoming CAHIP Capitol Summit in May,” said Helen Ornellas, SAHU President. “It’s another opportunity to connect, engage, and drive positive change in our healthcare system.”  For more information about the CAHIP Capitol Summit, visit Capitol Conference details HERE.

SAHU extends its gratitude to its members, event sponsors, and the community for their dedicated support and participation in the PAC event. Together, we are making a difference and driving positive change in healthcare.

Learn more about PAC HERE.

If you would like to support PAC directly, you may do so HERE.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com. 

Sacramento, CA – The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) hosted a dazzling Disco Fever-themed Crab Feed on Friday, March 15th, which brought together 350 attendees for an evening of fun, food, and fundraising.

The event, held at Citrus Heights Community Center, was a huge success, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. Their contributions helped make this event possible and allows SAHU to continue its mission of supporting other health insurance professionals, and our advocacy for better health care in California.

The evening featured a delectable array of seafood, including 800 pounds of crab and 100 pounds of shrimp, which were enjoyed by all.

Guests got into the groove at the silent auction, bidding on disco-tastic items like tropical trips, sports memorabilia, and art pieces. Adding to the disco fever, a dazzling array of desserts, generously donated by SAHU members and sponsors were eagerly bid on and enjoyed by many.

The evening concluded with an unforgettable costume contest and dance-off, where guys and gals showed off their best disco moves and grooved to the sounds of the ’70s.

SAHU would like to thank all of our sponsors, donors, and attendees for making this event a success. Your support is truly appreciated and will help SAHU continue to serve the health underwriting community in Sacramento.

SAHU extends a special thank you to the incredible committee, whose diligent work made this evening success:

• Diane Christian – InterWest
• Carmen Perea – Benefit Mall
• Rosamaria Marrujo – Trusted American
• Penelope Yanez – Kaiser Permanente
• Peter Alamillo – Delta Dental
• Helen Ornellas – Ornellas & Associates
• Specs Lanham
• Liz Mack – Kaiser Permanente
• Jackie Martinez – Ornellas & Associates
• David Pierce – Canopy Health
• Cerrina Jensen – Stellar Stories
• David Brabender – Atman Insurance
• Addison Beverly – Aetna
• Lauren Bayha – BenefitsBay

To view the full gallery, and get a full recap of the evening, visit our SAHU site.     

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com. 

SACRAMENTO, December 19, 2023 — After weeks of anticipation and community engagement, the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) is pleased to share the success of its collaboration with the River Oak Center for Children for the annual toy drive. The initiative aimed to bring holiday cheer to 100 children of all ages, and thanks to the unwavering support of the community, it exceeded expectations.

The streamlined donation process through the Amazon shopping link proved to be a resounding success, allowing community members to effortlessly contribute and make a meaningful difference in a child’s Christmas morning. SAHU extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who clicked, shopped, and shared in the spirit of giving.

In addition to online contributions, SAHU members took part in a special in-person volunteer opportunity at the ‘Santa Workshop,’ hosted by the River Oak Center for Children on Thursday, December 14th, 2023. This unique event transformed SAHU members into Santa’s elves, as they dedicated their time to wrapping gifts that will create enchanting moments for parents and children on Christmas morning.

“Once again, the Sacramento Community has come together to bring joy to the families who need it the most this holiday season. said Andrew Garnett, Community Services Chair.  The Toy Drive was a huge success! Members of SAHU were able to meet many of the families that will be receiving the toys on behalf their children.  The gratitude these mothers, fathers, and grandparents had as we wrapped up their toys for them was unbelievable. It’s an experience I will never forget.  I am very grateful to be a small part of the kindhearted community that we are.   Thank you for all your support! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at SAHU.”

As SAHU wraps up this year’s toy drive, the organization remains committed to its mission of making a positive impact in the community. The success of this initiative reinforces SAHU’s dedication to serving and uplifting those in need, and the association looks forward to continuing its meaningful contributions in the future.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com.

In response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2025 Proposed Final Rule, the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) is taking a proactive stance to represent the interests of its members and the broader health insurance community.

CMS has introduced a comprehensive proposed final rule, CMS-4205-P, set to bring about substantial changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D programs, effective from the 2025 contracting year starting September 30, 2024. Notably, the proposed rule addresses critical aspects of Medicare marketing and communications policies, particularly impacting agent and broker compensation outlined in Section 1851(j) of the Act.

Key elements of the proposed final rule encompass the elimination of administrative fees and overrides, restrictions on services provided to Medicare agents, impacts on different agency types, changes in marketing reimbursements and Health Risk Assessments (HRA) fees, modifications in commission structures, and operational adjustments for agents and agencies.

SAHU and its board members believe that CMS-4205-P may have certain drawbacks, particularly as this policy would essentially leave agents and brokers unable to directly recover administrative costs. These adjustments impacting FMO/Agency support, training, technology, and related aspects will influence beneficiary options by diminishing the number of agents not only promoting Medicare Advantage but also providing a diverse range of plans. In essence, this regulation is poised to yield outcomes contrary to its intended objectives.

“Field Marketing Organizations (FMOs) are General Agents who provide training, and a multitude of compliance expertise to field agents. Agents struggled to comply with the recent CMS recording requirements, but FMOs were able to quickly provide a scalable solution. Without the general support of FMOs, insurance carriers would need to provide these services, raising their administrative costs and premiums to beneficiaries.” Says, NABIP CEO Jessica Brooks-Woods.

With the CMS-4205-P proposal open for public comment until January 5th, SAHU urges its members and the broader community to unite in advocating for the best interests of our clients and the sustained strength of our profession. We encourage everyone to contribute professional and constructive feedback, and comments can be conveniently submitted through Regulations.gov.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com.